What About the Plans Offered through the Commonwealth Connector?

Commonwealth Connector is a Massachusetts state agency created as part of the Health Care Reform Act of 2006. The Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority is an independent public authority created to implement significant portions of the new landmark health care reform legislation. The Connector assists qualified Massachusetts adult residents with the purchase of affordable health care coverage if they don’t already have it.

There are two categories of plans which are currently coordinated by the Commonwealth Connector.

NOT COMPARABLE
 

• Commonwealth CARE:
  
  The Commonwealth CARE plan is a subsidized health insurance program for uninsured individuals with incomes that fall within certain guidelines and who meet other qualifications.  College or university students who are offered health insurance under the Qualifying Student Health Insurance Program (QSHIP) or another qualified student health insurance plan cannot participate in the Commonwealth Care Plan. 

COMPARABLE

• Commonwealth CHOICE
  
  Massachusetts Health Connector works with well-known insurance plans to offer and certify new health insurance options for residents, families and small employers who are not eligible for Commonwealth Care. Students can purchase Commonwealth CHOICE. Commonwealth Choice offers a wide range of commercial health insurance plans.
  
  
  Commonwealth CHOICE also offers a special program for young adults ages 19 - 26.

For more information about either of these programs, please visit the Commonwealth Connector web site.